(Trent's first AL football game)
Although I have considered Montgomery, AL to be my local city for my entire life, Tuscaloosa is beginning to have a spot in my idea of locality as well. As a child of two die-hard Alabama fans, I have experienced the famous Alabama football gameday since I was about eleven years old. I still remember the first time I came...the Homecoming parade, the insane amount fans decked out in crimson and white, the overwhelming excitement as the Tide scored a touchdown (EVERY one...even when we were killing the opposing team). Basically, I fell in love with Tuscaloosa the first time I stepped on campus. I remember thinking it was one of the most beautiful places I had every seen...there's nothing like it. However, despite the numerous visits I made to the town, the quad and the area remotely surrounding the stadium were really all I associated with Tuscaloosa. Not until I moved here last semester did I realize that there is so much more to it.
As one who likes to support the "little guy" I am not a very big fan of chain stores and restaurants. So, within the first few weeks of moving here, two of my friends and I attempted to explore the city. With very busy schedules, we did not get too far. However, along the way, we did discover some pretty neat shops and restaurants. Effie's, Solo, Twice As Nice Consignment shop, and numerous antique stores are just a few favorite boutiques. The Globe, Cozy's (strongly recommended for any special occasions), and the Capture Studio Cafe are just a few of some great local restaurants... not to mention my absolute love....Hooligan's. As one obsessed with Meditteranean cuisine, I make a trip there at least one time a week to pick up some of their fantastic hummus and pita bread. The prices are phenomenal (perfect for any college student) and the hole-in-the-wall's food is excellent, from the lentil soup to the numerous wraps, to the vegetable omelet.
I have also recently discovered Tuscaloosa's support of the arts through a class here at UA. Just this week I paid a visit to Capitol Park downtown, the site of ruins of what was once the Capitol Building. The class also led me to the remarkable Bama Theatre, by far one of the most beautiful theaters I have ever stepped foot in.
Although many think of Tuscaloosa as just simply a grungy college town, I am quickly learning that it has so much more to offer.
2 comments:
Are you talking about UH 210? I had that class last semester and it was amazing to me to see how much is going on around campus that I didn't know about (concerning the arts). I actually really enjoyed most of the plays put on by members of the theater department. And I think that's awesome that you actually looked for neat shops and restaurants to go to here. I have only been to like 3 restaurants and I never go shopping down here. I just wait til i go home.
I definitely need to sit in on that class. And I've only been to Hooligan's once, but it was really good. I love hummus and pita bread too! And I'm hoping to go to Kozy's this summer . . . we'll have to save our pennies!
Post a Comment